Gaming laptops we recommend
Updated: We’ve added the Gigabyte P35X v5 to our list of the best gaming laptops money can buy.
You don’t even need to tell us what happened when you told your friends that you want to buy a gaming laptop. Their inner elitist got the best of them, and bashed you for not just building an outright gaming desktop. But we get you. Building a gaming PC takes knowledge and dexterity that you just don’t have or care to develop.
That’s where the gaming laptop shines, as a fast lane to PC gaming. No need to build a case or even buy a monitor. Of course, that convenience usually comes with a hefty price tag. Most vendors start their asking prices at around $1,400 (about £900, AU$1,900) for 13 and 14-inch products, whereas the biggest and beefiest 17 and 18-inch models can skyrocket upwards of $3,000 (around £1,900, AU$4,000).
If you’re ready to accept that a gaming laptop will almost never be as affordable or offer the same level of performance as a comparably-priced gaming desktop, then your decision is already made. But again, the gaming notebook is a device of convenience and portability over raw power. Without further ado, here are our favorite gaming laptops that we’ve reviewed thus far.
1. Origin EON15-X
A desktop-grade CPU in an unbeatable gaming laptop
CPU: 4GHz Intel Core i7-4790K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (8GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 LED Backlit Matte Display | Storage: 240GB SSD; 1TB HDD (5,400 rpm) | Connectivity: Intel PRO Wireless AC 7265 + Bluetooth Wireless LAN Combo | Camera: 2MP Video Camera | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.31 x 1.40 inches (W x D x H)
Great value Desktop-grade performance Razor thin viewing angles
Origin EON15-X is a real head turner. It packs a desktop processor into a fairly compact 15.6-inch laptop that, while smaller, offers even more performance compared to other, bigger hardcore gaming rigs. This extra CPU power is handy for users who need to edit video and other processor intensive tasks that a mobile chip can’t handle. You’ll also get an extra kick of performance in no matter what game you’re running. This machine is definitely worth consideration over all others.
2. Gigabyte P35X v5
Underneath the plain exterior lies a 4K gaming beast
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M 8GB GDDR5, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM | Screen: 15.6-inch, UHD 3,840 x 2,160, IPS LCD | Storage: 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD | Optical drive: 6X Blu-Ray Writer/DVD-RW | Connectivity: Intel Wireless-AC 7260; Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 1.3MP HD webcam | Weight: 5.29 pounds | Dimensions: 15.16 x 10.63 x 0.83 inches
See more Gigabyte P35X v5 deals
Splendid performance at 4K Surprisingly decent battery life Poor ergonomics Pointless optical drive
The Gigabyte P35X v5 is a mighty powerful, 4K gaming laptop equipped. While most machines have failed to play games at Ultra HD resolutions, this 15-inch rig has come closest to making it a reality with speed Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GTX 980M stacked with the maximum amount of video memory on a mobile GPU. All of this overwhelming power will see that you’re able to play 4K games at a decent 30 to 60 fps clip. All the while, the P35X v5 offers decent battery life to boot.
3. MSI GT80 Titan
An outrageously sized and powerful gaming laptop
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-4720HQ | Graphics: 2 x Nvidia GTX 980M SLI (16 GB GDDR5); Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 18.4-inch WLED FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Display | Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB HDD (7,200 RPM) | Optical drive: Blu-Ray Burner | Connectivity: Killer DoubleShot Pro 11ac + Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: Full HD type (30 fps, 1080p) | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Dimensions: 17.95 x 13.02 x 1.93 inches
Authentic mechanical keyboard Easily upgraded H-E-A-V-Y Impossible to use on your lap
The MSI GT80 Titan goes above and beyond to give gamers a desktop experience in a notebook with a complement of high-performance parts to a built-in mechanical keyboard. However, weighing in at nearly 10 pounds and measuring roughly two-inches thick, this laptop is seriously pushing the limits of what you can call portable. For all the strain it’ll put on your back and wallet, though, this 18.4-inch gaming laptop absolutely plow through almost any graphically intense game you try to run. This gaming behemoth proved to be a monster with the best in class mobile GPUs so we can’t even fathom what it could do with a Nvidia GTX 980.
4. HP Pavilion Gaming Notebook
Gear up on a budget
CPU: 2.6Ghz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 950M (4GB DDR3L VRAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display | Storage: 1TB HDD | Connectivity: 802.11ac (1 x 1) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo | Camera: HP TrueVision HD webcam | Weight: 5.11 pounds | Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.4 1.13 inches
See more HP Pavilion Gaming Notebook deals
Excellent value Gaming power Not entirely future-proof
If you’re looking to jump into PC gaming on a budget, the HP Pavilion Gaming Notebook offers a Intel Core i7 and discrete graphics without breaking the bank. While that might not sound like a lot to work with, you’ll be able to play games at 30fps on Ultra. Going with a Nvidia GTX 960M configuration will also grant you enough power to hit the 60fps holy grail in almost any game so long as you knock your settings a peg or two below Ultra.
5. Alienware 17 (2015)
The Alienware 17 is an impressive refinement for this series of gaming laptops
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 17.3 inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS anti-glare display | Storage: 256 GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm) | Connectivity: Killer 1525 802.11ac 2×2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 2MP Full HD webcam | Weight: 8.33 pounds (3.78 kg) | Dimensions: 16.93 x 11.49 x 1.35 inches (W x D x H
See more Alienware 17 (2015) deals
Flexible desktop mode Excellent large screen Still quite expensive Slightly bottlenecked Amplifier performance
The Alienware 17 is one of those few outrageously priced gaming laptops that’s actually worth it. The notebook is a fully capable gaming machine on its own, but with the added power of desktop graphics through the GPU Amplifier it can play almost any game on Ultra settings.If you’re looking for something smaller, the Alienware 13 also works with the optional GPU box.
6. MSI GS60 Ghost Pro
The best thin-and-light gaming laptop
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 6700HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M, Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 eDP Wide View Angle | Storage: 128GB SSD; 1TB HDD | Connectivity: Killer N1525 Combo (2 x 2 AC) Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: FHD webcam | Weight: 4.2 pounds | Dimensions: 15.35 x 10.47 x 0.78 inches (W x D x H)
See more MSI GS60 Ghost Pro deals
Performance pusher Stupendous keyboard Fleeting battery life A bit expensive
High on mature styling and light on weight, the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro is one of the thinnest gaming laptops you can buy. Don’t think this svelte machine has sacrificed performance for the sake of cutting weight. It still comes packed with a high-end Intel Skylake processor and graphics card to make it a one of the strongest platforms we’ve ever tested. Just make sure to stick with a 1080p resolution and medium to high visual settings.
7. Aorus X7 Pro-Sync
Fully-loaded machine with everything you’ll ever need
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4870HQ | Graphics: 2 x Nvidia GTX 970M SLI + Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 17.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 Wide Viewing Angle G-Sync LCD | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Wireless LAN: 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 1MP HD camera | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Dimensions: 16.85 x 12 x 0.9 inches
See more Aorus X7 Pro-Sync deals
Thin and fully-loaded Record breaking performance Hard to click trackpad Tornado-producing fans
The Aorus X7 Pro-Sync is a 17.3-inch gaming laptop that packs a ton into thin body. With no less than two graphics cards and a heady processor too, the X7 is overflowing with performance. What’s more, thanks to some newly added Nvidia display technology, gamers can be confident they’re getting the highest frame rates without any bothersome jitter and tearing issues. In the future, this Aorus X7 will come packing Nvidia’s desktop graphics for even more performance.
8. HP Omen
A most sophisticated and attractive gaming laptop
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-4720HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 Full HD WLED-backlit IPS touchscreen | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth | Camera: HP TrueVision Full HD WVA Webcam with Dual Digital Microphone | Weight: 4.68 pounds | Dimensions: 15.07 x 9.67 x 0.78 inches
Bold, unique design Sublime screen Pricey compared to competition Lacking screen brightness
If you want a machine that doesn’t follow the crowd with glowing alien heads and flaming decals, the HP Omen has a style unto its own. Steeply tapered edges give way to a plenty of lights and other little details to make this one of the industry’s most sophisticated and attractive gaming laptops. Beyond looks, the HP Omen packs enough processing brains to handle anything from everyday task to hardcore PC gaming. As a mid-range system, it straddles the line of excellent power efficiency while still offering enough performance to handle the latest games.
9. Acer Predator 15
The ultimate over-the-top gaming laptop
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 32GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 Active Matrix TFT Color LCD | Storage: 512GB SSD, 1TB HDD | Connectivity: Killer Wireless-AC 1535 , Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.2 | Camera: Front-facing 1,280 x 720 webcam | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.8 x 1.5 inches
See more Acer Predator 15 deals
Gorgeous screen Surprising battery life Heavy Loud
The Acer Predator 15 is a monster of a gaming laptop in both presence and performance. While most gaming notebooks have become thinner and lighter, this 15-inch rig buck the trend, opting to pack in some of the best graphics and CPU parts on the market today. Thanks to an modular DVD drive bay, users can choose between equipping this gaming notebook with either an optical drive or an extra fan for extra cooling.
10. Origin EON17-X
Desktop performance in a 17-inch gaming laptop
CPU: 4.0GHz Intel Core i7-6700K | Graphics: Nvidia GTX 980M (8GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 530 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 17-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS matte display with G-SYNC | Storage: 250GB SSD, 1TB hybrid-hard drive | Connectivity: Killer Wireless AC 1535 dual band + Bluetooth | Camera: 2MP webcam | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Dimensions: 16.46 x 11.1 x 1.52 inches
Top-end performance Attractive display and speakers Power hungry Big price tag
The Origin EON17-X is a true desktop replacement packing desktop processor. As the EON-15-X’s bigger brother this 17-inch notebook comes outfitted with a more spacious display and an even better sounding set of speakers plus an additional subwoofer. Equipped with a top-end Skylake processor you won’t find many other mobile rigs or even desktops that can offer the same level of performance. That said, Origin has arguably made the most powerful portable gaming desktop by outfitting its EON17-SLX with a desktop Skylake processor and Nvidia GTX 980.
Source: techradar.com
Dont think you realise how powerful the new laptop gpus are. Some of these can run crysis 3 ultra on 40 fps easy.
You qont get a desktop anywhere near $800 dollar that can do that. Maybe double it.
What are you a Hobbit? 10.5 too much for your hairy feet to carry?
What about Eurocom? They make incredible portable workstations for engineers and a couple of 3d design laptops that have two video cards. One for everyday and one for serious work along with the added cooling fans and huge power. They also have a used list on their site which what I always look at. Some really good deals on machines without OS's. (Optional)
Alienware 18 , MSI CUK MSI GT80 and ASUS G751JY are the best!
Just Google "OfmeNet gaming laptops" You will find great list.
I think Intel's ultrabook standard killed the gaming laptops as much as anything. Super-thin lacky performance ultrabooks are separated to their own area but get all the attention in retail. Companies once involved with gaming/high end desktop replacement laptops (often nailed it – Samsung, Sony) know nowadays full size laptops get stuck in a dark corner and have no chance at volume sales. These companies have either left the full size/performance segment behind or exited that segment altogether. Lenovo has veered toward "chineese cheap looking plastic crap" I don't like any of their stuff lately. Lenovo also seems abhorrent to using better quality, bright LCD panels (this is nothing new). This leaves the smaller "niche" manufacturers that never got huge numbers before **because** they just couldn't (lack engineering re$ources) or wouldn't (marketed to 15 year olds) nail in a good looking design with the right combination of hardware that makes us want to buy. I know what I want: Quality-look-form of the Samsung 680/880s with updated hardware and that bright beautiful touchscreen from the Sony Flip 15s (or the gorgeous display from the Sam 680 with a few extra LEDs to get that glossy screen a little brighter outside), yes it should flip into tablet mode **exactly** like the flip 15s..Sony nailed that one. The touchscreen assembly Sony used is actually made by LG, and it's really not expensive (unless you're a corporate CEO*accountant*caugh* absolutely determined to be cheap). Were buying high powered gaming/desktop replacements when not running games damn it I want a touchscreen, and I want to be able to sit near a window at Starbucks, and for $2000+ it better not look gawd awful compared to a $800 MacBook snoot in the next seat over. Macbooks are notoriously cheap and plastic (do they even use screws anymore or is the whole thing slapped together with elmers?) it's not difficult to make something that looks inherently nicer, especially closeup. Again: I blame Intel. They decided to act like a monopoly and dictate what the market is supposed to want by strict design specifications and marketing tactics (effectively punishing everything else) instead of just letting the market remain mixed and diverse. Intel is cutting their own throats in the long run. As ultrabook designs fall in price they'll need to revert back to "old faithful" HPC high margin chip sales. The problem with that is, we are 1 by 1 souring on the idea of a large stationary desktop rigs. The natural evolution is to high powered laptops which Intel seems determined to kill off if even unintentionally.
The only one that doesn't look like a concrete slab, even if it weighs more like one (irrelevant to me). I wish Asus didn't do away with the G750 design, it's the best looking laptop I've ever seen. As a matter of fact, it's the only one that is flawless, while there is a very few others that look even decent.
Confused AF lol. Can never build a PC so I just need a laptop where it can run games smoothly and not heat up. DO I need to buy a cooler as well? Or just put the laptop on top of two books?
How's the UX303LB
I'm likely gonna get that, any advice before the plunge?
Ummmm….. This article *says* it was posted 1/24/2016, but it has comments from *a year ago*!!?? AND the specs are 4th Gen i7 CPUs ?! (except the recently added HP).
I'm not against re-using articles but at least update the specs?
My specs for gaming/intensive 3D/GIS work are:
– i7 6th gen (don't need OC-able)
– 17" screen
– GTX 970M/980M
– 16GB RAM
I'm looking at these:
Sager/Clevo: http://www.sagernotebook.com/c…
ASUS ROG G752: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store…
MSI Apache: http://www.newegg.com/Product/…
yeah but 10.5 pounds? imagine being a college student and having that thing in a bag, + a binder full of paper and docs, and 3-4+ textbooks. you'd be hauling 50lb bag around like a construction worker moving cement bags by hand…..
all Intel too rich for my blood I prefer AMD
I have the GT70. I'm not a huge gamer, but I've been impressed with it so far. It's also my first MSI product and I have to say, I'll definitely use them again.
This did not answer the question: If you could chose one laptop without thinking on the pricetag, just thinking on performance, what would you chose? What is the best laptop for gaming!?
This FTW the GT72 really bangs the buck, 1200€ for the 6gb 970 version, add +50€ for a SSD and you wont even touch a desktop pc for the same price.
get a computer with a small case
I really don't get why the companies that manufacturer gaming laptops seem to have completely given up actually designing them.
If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want it to look as good as it performs, yet all of the above are cheap looking plasticy things.
Even Alienware have ditched their older metal designs in favour for cheap plastic casings, and it's not even as if their's a weight improvement with that choice. My old metal Alienware M17r3 is only marginally heavier, and marginally thicker, than the current crop.
Just watch your power jack. They heat up and smoke lol. The engineer who designed the power circuitry needs to be demoted to bathroom janitor.
It's a gaming laptop, not a notebook.
HAH 2k+ for a crappy gaming device? i could spend 800$ to get a maxed computer. Laptops are weak for gaming. better for running minesweeper on min settings
I hvnt use that yet.. still looking for the perfect one.. but new lines of alienware, asus, acer gaming laptops are released. U cn check them too.
Why is Asus not on this list but HP is, and at that qualified as a gaming laptop to be at #4????? lmfao!!! Well whoever wrote this you can take your HP gaming laptop lmfao!!! I'll be on my Asus G752 thank you very much!! Obviously this article is just based on a persons choice of laptops in order of what they'd use and not so much in knowledge.
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What a suprise you completely ignored 90% of my comment and just replied with something stupid…..what are they teaching kids these days…
obliviously, not teaching them how to read…
love the profile pic….
Number 3 the MSI GT80 Titan is by far the most powerful, dual 980m's hit similar framerates as a Single Titan X gpu. Also has a mechanical k/b which seals the deal gaming wise.
Easily the most powerful gaming laptop in the world.
The fact that whoever wrote this, says "I'd love to see what it could do with a desktop GTX980" is clueless. 2x 980m destroy a single desktop 980 by a long way. The writer is just lazy a quick google search would have shown he is wrong.